Drums

Join us on Tuesdays for a vibrant and immersive experience of West African drumming in SE5. This event is perfect for both beginners and experienced drummers looking to enhance their skills and connect with the energetic beats of the Djembe drum. Immerse yourself in the rich traditions of African music as our skilled instructors guide you through rhythmic patterns and techniques that will transport you to the heart of Africa. Bring your drum or borrow one of ours and become part of a dynamic drum circle where everyone's unique contributions come together to create a mesmerizing musical tapestry. Whether you're a seasoned drummer or just starting your rhythmic journey, this event promises to be a joyful celebration of African drumming that will uplift your spirit and leave you feeling connected to the vibrant beats of the continent. Join us in SE5 and let the rhythms of West African drumming awaken your soul.

Whether you have never drummed before, a beginner, or a skilled drummer, the workshop is open to all. We have such fun and play gigs in and around London as well as Penge. Gigs include local community events/festivals, support charities at the London Marathon or Royals Parks Run, fundraisers, and wider festivals. We also play with our associated group ,Tribo, from West London, where you have a chance to play at the Notting Hill Carnival every year. Come, join in some Brazilian vibes, and develop drumming skills you didn't know you had! First session FREE and £12.50 per session after. It's a drop in so no pressure. For people who are interested in: drumming, Brazilian drumming, samba reggae, samba. Please visit: www.pengenistadrummers.org

HEALING DEVELOPMENT GROUP This Healing Development group will also included the use the Drum and Journeying. If you have your own please bring it and/or rattle. I will have a few spare drums so please let me know that you are attending so I know if we have enough. Lorna facilitates a fun monthly open awareness and support group from beginners, to all levels of students and workers in the healing/therapy Energy fields. Please come to the support groups at venues and Zoom, below to keep up your practice, ask questions, support each other and discover how you use your healing skills and abilities as they develop. * Meditation/Journeying * Discussion * Awareness * Energy Sharing * Sound and Drumming at some venues I work mainly in the following areas but if you would like me to do a group in your area, contact me and we can discuss. If you cannot make a particular group please feel free to attend any of the others or on Zoom. LET ME KNOW IF YOU ARE ATTENDING. Cost £10.00 per session See my web site or contact me on my MOBILE: +44 (0) 7950 985 799 - for further details: www.blaze2wotherapieslorna.co.uk Please like my page: https://www.facebook.com/Blaze2woHolisticTherapies 2022 ADDISCOMBE Healing & Drum Development group Forth Tuesday of the month 19.30 pm - 21.30 pm *** REDHILL Healing Development Group - Currently full Third Monday of the month 19.00 pm - 21.00 pm \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* RICHMOND Drum Healing Group Bi-monthly Saturday 19.30 pm - 21.30 pm *** WALTON Drum Healing group Second Monday of the month 19.00 pm - 21.00 pm *** One Beat 2 Heal via zoom First Tuesday of the month 19.00 pm - 21.00 pm *** Learning Holistic Harmony of the Self via zoom Second and Fourth Thursday of the month 19.00 pm - 21.00 pm *** Email: [email protected]

**About Session** **Advanced** **4 courts for first 2 hours** **2 courts for remaining 2 hours** **High grade tournament shuttles (speed 77-78)** **£14 (bank transfer)** Please sign up to **ONLY ONE** of the 2 concurrent Tuesday sessions (this is the 4-hour Tuesday session). Courts will be reduced to two from 8 to 10 PM Non-members should message the organizers their full-name via WhatsApp (Adrian Rabe, +447410463483) to arrange tryouts. Guests allowed but members will be prioritized over guests. Please message Committee members if you would like to add on a guest. Break the strings on 2 racquets, or break a racquet during the session and your session is *free*. Take a photo of the broken strings or racquet **DURING** the session, upload, and tag Broken Strings on Instagram to get the fee waiver. Cancellations < 24 hours before the event will be penalized the full fee. Please message organizer via WhatsApp for late cancellations or for potential slots. We will be discreetly speaking to players who may be struggling with the level of the session. **Free parking available within the school**. Note that the School will be opening and closing the gate **10 minutes before** and **10 minutes after** the beginning and end of the session. If you are locked out, please contact the organizers or other members to help let you in. Photographs and video recordings may be made during the session. Signing up to the session would **include consent for these recordings to be made and used by the club on its social media and other platforms**. **DO NOT PLAY** if you have fever, cough, colds, or other symptoms

**About Session** **Advanced** **4 courts for 2 hours** **High grade tournament shuttles (speed 77-78)** **£12 (bank transfer)** Please sign up to **ONLY ONE** of the 2 concurrent Tuesday sessions (this is the 2-hour Tuesday session). Players signing up here will leave at 8 PM as the courts will be reduced to two from 8 to 10 PM Non-members should message the organizers their full-name via WhatsApp (Adrian Rabe, +447410463483) to arrange tryouts. Guests allowed but members will be prioritized over guests. Please message Committee members if you would like to add on a guest. Break the strings on 2 racquets, or break a racquet during the session and your session is *free*. Take a photo of the broken strings or racquet **DURING** the session, upload, and tag Broken Strings on Instagram to get the fee waiver. Cancellations < 24 hours before the event will be penalized the full fee. Please message organizer via WhatsApp for late cancellations or for potential slots. We will be discreetly speaking to players who may be struggling with the level of the session. **Free parking available within the school.** Note that the School will be opening and closing the gate **10 minutes before** and **10 minutes after** the beginning and end of the session. If you are locked out, please contact the organizers or other members to help let you in. Photographs and video recordings may be made during the session. Signing up to the session would **include consent for these recordings to be made and used by the club on its social media and other platforms.** **DO NOT PLAY** if you have fever, cough, colds, or other symptoms.

A fun and hands on introduction to LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY®, ideal for those who have not experienced the method before. After being welcomed by our experienced facilitator, you will explore building models as an individual and as a group. You will become practiced at several methods of communication and learn to hear and understand others, all using LEGO! Following the workshop we will send you a free pdf copy of the book "SeriousWork" - a hands on guide to using LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® yourself (5\*\*\*\*\* reviewed book that sells for £25 on Amazon https://www.amazon.co.uk/Facilitate-Meetings-Workshops-Serious-Method/dp/0995664706) Ideal for those who are interested in participatory leadership, better communication and creativity. If you have attended a taster workshop before, you are welcome to attend but please note this introductory workshop will be a similar experience.

**Tuesday - Intermediate+ @ George Green's** Come and join our friendly badminton club for a fun and competitive doubles session at George Green’s School in Tower Hamlets! 🏸 **How it works** * Book your spot here on Meetup – spaces are limited. * Pay by bank transfer before the session – bank details are provided below. * Bring your own racket and non-marking indoor shoes. Feather shuttles are included. 🎯 **Level** This is an **Intermediate+ session**. You should be able to play clears, smashes, drops, drives, and net shots consistently in games. All players **must be at the right level** for this session. Badminton levels vary between clubs, so we strongly recommend checking out our **Instagram page** to see what *we* class as **Lower Intermediate, Intermediate, and High Intermediate** before booking. We always use the **first game as a level check**. If it becomes clear during that game that the standard isn’t the right match for this session, **you won’t be able to continue beyond that point**. As a **small community club**, we’re unfortunately **unable to offer refunds** in these situations. 👉 Please **only book a session if you are happy to accept these conditions**. 💬 **Stay connected** We have a club WhatsApp group for updates, photos, and extra playing opportunities. Message Peter on **07561 100 413** after you've played at your first session and we’ll add you! 📍 **Venue** * Where: George Green’s School, 100 Manchester Road, E14 3DW (nearest tube: Island Gardens DLR). * On arrival: Let reception know you’re here for the Tower Hamlets Badminton Meetup. 💷 **Price** £12 per session, payable in advance. Bank transfer details: **Badminton Go Ltd** Sort code: 60-83-71 Account: 78644858 (Use your name + date as ref)

**\*Please purchase a ticket before marking your attendance - see below to book\*** Join us at Kings Place for a night of percussive excellence with the Colin Currie Quartet, culminating in a performance of Part 1 of Reich's hypnotic 'Drumming' in this, his 90th birthday year. **PROGRAMME** * Andy Akiho: *Pillar I* * Joe Duddell: *This Place, These People* (world premiere, commissioned by Kings Place) * Andy Akiho: *Pillar IV* * Kevin Volans: *Four Marimbas* * Steve Reich: Drumming (Part I). **TICKETS** Full price tickets are £35-£48. Sadly I only stumbled across this concert after all other price ranges had sold out! You can book your ticket here: [https://shop.kingsplace.co.uk/31602/31603](https://shop.kingsplace.co.uk/31602/31603) I am sat in the stalls (K19) if anyone wants to sit near(ish) by. We will look at heading for a drink after the show.

**🔥 Join the Beat – Samba Practice in East London! 🥁🎶** Want to try something new for 2026? Something creative. fun and sociable with a friends group of people? Our inclusive and friendly Samba band welcomes everyone—whether you're a seasoned percussionist or have never touched a drum before. No experience? No problem! We provide all the instruments and will have you grooving in no time. Feel the rhythm, meet great people, and be part of an electrifying sound that moves the streets. Just bring your enthusiasm—we’ll bring the drums! Ready to make some noise? See you there! 🔥🎶 Sambattalion is an established East London based Samba Fusion Band. We have been going for over ten years and use meetup as one way to recruit new members. We play gigs in and around London and beyond. Please bring ear plugs / ear protectors. We have some but if you can please bring your own - and wear them. We are very loud. We practice every Thursday, 7.00pm-10.00pm (with a 30 minute break) In January and early February 2026 we are tailoring our weekly practices specifically with new joiners in mind, and remember no experienced required! It is £5 per session (your first session is FREE). We are entirely not-for profit. Cash only please - pay on the day.

In our February Heart Song Shamanic Workshop come and unleash your wild side and spend the day journeying with the power of Wolf Spirit! Join Lina and Steve to connect more deeply with your heart and the healing gifts and magic of Wolf Spirit Animal. Enjoy a nourishing day of Shamanic Journeying together with Wolf medicine, Heart opening Ceremonial Cacao and Singing and Drumming! You will experience: \~ Elemental Blessing \~ Guided Heart Meditation and Relaxation \~ Sound Healing and Voice Medicine \~ Drinking Heart opening Ceremonial Cacao \~ Guided Shamanic Journeying with Wolf Spirit
 \~ Shamanic Drumming and Singing Medicine Songs and Sacred Chants from around the World \~ Sharing in Circle together
 \~ Social time sharing a nourishing Vegetarian Pot Luck Lunch To Bring: \~ All drums and rattles are provided, but you are welcome to bring your own! \~ Please bring vegetarian food to share for our Pot Luck Picnic Lunch. \~ A water bottle, journal and pen, and a shawl/ blanket for covering yourself. Venue: Private Residence near Colindale Tube Station. Once you've reserved your place, the address in Colindale will be sent to you. Please arrive at 12pm so we're ready for a 12.10pm start. Heart Song \~ Sacred Sound and Shamanic Circles are magical Monthly Shamanic Gatherings with Shamanic Practitioners Steve Altman and Lina Spyrou in North London. Each month we connect and journey with a different Power Animal and enjoy Ceremonial Cacao, Shamanic Journeying, Sound Healing, Singing and Shamanic Drumming together.

Come along to the Maxilla to enjoy a drumming workshop open to all levels, whether you're beginning or an advanced drummer, you can learn how to play the authentic afro brazilian rhythms with Marcos Santana all the way from Salvador de Bahia! £10 Any queries call Marcos on 07772 470198 As featured in Time Out's "1000 things to do in London for under £10"! http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/7/f/8/c/event_243632652.jpeg

We've got the songs, the charts, the enthusiasm and some of the people. All we need is more people and your enthusiasm and your song choices. All the standard elements of a Soul band plus orchestral instruments. Exploring the best Soul songs and the best arrangements - especially those featuring strings (violin, viola, cello), French horn, flute, brass, woodwinds, percussion, background vocals. Let's have fun learning and playing a bunch of great tunes from the Soul / R&B back catalogue. There will be well-known standards and lesser-known or even obscure gems chosen from anywhere in the entire history of R&B. This is for: lead vocals, backing vocals, guitars, bass, drums, keyboards, trumpet, trombone, French horn, flute, baritone sax, tenor sax, alto sax, woodwinds, violin, viola, cello, percussion. Visit the "Thursday" page of our new spreadsheet to see vacancies, current members, current repertoire, and to make and see suggestions for new repertoire: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Zb1cMKrOMDvxacsw9AoRRstkx-M7r_NIrF4tZJIREU0/edit?usp=sharing We'll learn some classic tunes by ear and play them. You do not need to be able to read music. Support is given in learning the parts (this may sometimes include written charts / tab). The workshop will be led by Andy Dummett. Andy has been privileged to play with a number of Soul legends including Stax, Atlantic and Motown recording artists - Eddie Floyd, Solomon Burke, Ben E King, Percy Sledge, Edwin Starr, Martha Reeves & the Vandellas, the Memphis Horns, Steve Cropper, Teenie Hodges, Sam Moore (Sam & Dave), Leon Ware, Dorothy Moore. Please check the studio's website for the latest Covid procedures: https://www.huskystudios.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Husky-Studios-Coronavirus-COVID-19-customer-guide.pdf Fees: Per session (drop-in): £15 Your fees include the group's costs for rehearsal studio rental and hire of mic's, PA, bass amp, guitar amps and drum kit. We will work towards a public performance. See our Calendar (http://www.meetup.com/London-Institute-of-Rhythm-Blues-Meetup/events/) for all Events http://www.meetup.com/London-Institute-of-Rhythm-Blues-Meetup/events/ To see details of individual Events (past and future), you can click through from the Calendar

Whether you have never drummed before, a beginner, or a skilled drummer, the workshop is open to all. We have such fun and play gigs in and around London as well as Penge. Gigs include local community events/festivals, supporting charities at the London Marathon or Royal Parks Run, fundraisers, and wider festivals. We also play with our associated group ,Tribo, from West London, where you have a chance to play at the Notting Hill Carnival every year. Come, join in some Brazilian vibes, and develop drumming skills you didn't know you had! First session FREE and £12.50 per session after. It's a drop in so no pressure. For people who are interested in: drumming, Brazilian drumming, samba reggae, samba. Please visit: www.pengenistadrummers.org

**Update: full for drums, bass, piano, 2 of 3 spots taken for lead instruments, 1 of 2 spots taken for guitar** full list of scheduled sessions: https://www.meetup.com/Practice-Jazz-Jam-Sessions/events/ **What is it** The novice rehearsal sessions provide an opportunity for people who are relatively new to jazz, to play in a friendly, low-pressure environment. With a short set list that attendees can prepare in advance, it becomes a little less daunting to play and get the most out of practising in a group. See below for this week's setlist. Please sign up before attending. Already full for your instrument? Please check back every other Wednesday, when new sessions go live. If you keep not being able to get a spot, please message the organiser (Xie). Location: Vortex upstairs **Who's it for** Anyone who has practised following the forms (chord progressions) of jazz tunes - maybe on their own at home - and would like to build up playing experience, expand repertoire and practice performing with other musicians. There are various introductions on how jazz jams work - see e.g. https://jazznightschool.org/pages/jam-session-basics You don't need to get all these details right for these novice practice sessions. The set list format should offer opportunities for those at different levels of developing their playing. While at the beginning one might struggle to follow/comp the chords or play through the melody, it gets easier over time and one can start to develop approaches to improvisation, harmonise lead lines, add intros/endings, work on communication between band members, and even listen to recordings together and pick up specific arrangements. Bass players are expected to be able to play a walking bass line on swing tunes, and simple bossa lines for bossa novas. Playing the melody, or "head" - the responsibility is shared between horns players (e.g. sax, trumpet, violin), guitar and piano. Feel free to discuss among the group before each song - different parts of the head or the starting / ending heads can be played by different players. Some melodies will better suit several voices at the same time, whereas others are sensitive to variations in how they are played and may prefer a single instrument at a time. **What it's like** A relaxed and welcoming atmosphere - please put aside any worries of making mistakes if you’re thinking of joining us for the first time. To ensure the group is accessible for those at different levels, I ask that each novice session should work on only the below four songs of the set list, unless each and every attendee feels they prefer to move on. Each novice session is limited to up to: 1 drummer, 2 bass, 2 keys, 2 guitar, 3/4 lead instruments. Always use the top of the description to see if there is an available slot for your instrument - please do not try to work this out yourself by looking at the other attendees' instruments. **Tunes this week (Sat 31 Jan)** * Take the A train in C (warm up) (Vache, Allen) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8JJv13K3WU * Jordu in Cm (Brown, Roach) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GslhRUBgXNI * Hackensack in F (Thelonious Monk) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVDs_Nn-0a8 * Little Boat (O Barquinho) in Bb (Eric Alexander) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XiMVlSVMMPw Everyone is encouraged to listen to a variety of recordings for each song, but please ensure you are familiar with the recording provided as a primary reference. **Tune preview - next novice session (Sat 7 Feb)** * Blues in the Closet in F (warm up) (Stanley Turrentine) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9vNUao-Cww](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9vNUao-Cww) * Corcovado in C (note odd number of measures) (Cannonball Adderley) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=open6GCI6ZA](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=open6GCI6ZA) * Caravan in Fm (note: the form is AABA, first chord C7) (tricky, rhythm instruments learn accompany parts) (Stringspace) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDTnxMoRWd8](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDTnxMoRWd8) * There is no greater love in Bb (Freddie Hubbard) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MelwhSdHhw0](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MelwhSdHhw0) **Preparing for the session** The chordal form of each song follow the iReal Pro app as a common reference, or you can use sheet music from Real Books. Resource for sheet music: https://www.seventhstring.com/fbindex.html http://therealbook.info/ Try to immerse yourself in the songs by listening to recordings by different artists on youtube, spotify etc. Learn the head (main melody) of the song if you can. Don't hesitate to let the band know you can play it so you can start things off **Equipment** there is a piano, drum kit (no cymbals or high hat clutch), bass and guitar amps, stands, and microphones. Drummers: please bring cymbals (none available for rental) and hi hat clutch **Vocalists** Singers are welcome, however please note that the songs have fixed keys, and some of the repertoire are likely not in the right key for your range. If you are an experienced singer, it may be possible to arrange sessions with repertoire catered to you - to explore this, please first come to the "Afternoon Open Jams" so I can get a sense of your singing. **Observing** Would you like to attend a session without playing/singing, to get an idea of the format or to get a sense of what to practise first at home? You can sign up as usual to any novice session, and send me a message that you'd like only to watch the session. When you feel ready, the fee paid can be carried over toward any future session where you join to play or sing at the rehearsal. **Cancellation policy** Please try to make it to any session you sign up to, as the jams are organised around a particular mix of instruments. However, if things do come up and you can no longer make a session, please send a message to the organiser, Xie, as soon as possible. Places are non-refundable if your plans change, but if you provide over 1 week notice it may be possible to carry over the fee for a future session. \-\-\-\-\- any questions do get in touch!

**🔥 Join the Beat – Samba Practice in East London! 🥁🎶** Want to try something new for 2026? Something creative. fun and sociable with a friends group of people? Our inclusive and friendly Samba band welcomes everyone—whether you're a seasoned percussionist or have never touched a drum before. No experience? No problem! We provide all the instruments and will have you grooving in no time. Feel the rhythm, meet great people, and be part of an electrifying sound that moves the streets. Just bring your enthusiasm—we’ll bring the drums! Ready to make some noise? See you there! 🔥🎶 Sambattalion is an established East London based Samba Fusion Band. We have been going for over ten years and use meetup as one way to recruit new members. We play gigs in and around London and beyond. Please bring ear plugs / ear protectors. We have some but if you can please bring your own - and wear them. We are very loud. We practice every Thursday, 7.00pm-10.00pm (with a 30 minute break) In January and early February 2026 we are tailoring our weekly practices specifically with new joiners in mind, and remember no experienced required! It is £5 per session (your first session is FREE). We are entirely not-for profit. Cash only please - pay on the day.

Come along for some healing shamanic drumming. Reconnect with your creativity and let go of any blockages. You will be guided in a shamanic journey to meet Chaak, the ancient Maya god of rain, storms, and lightning. Chaak represents the cleansing and transformative forces that help clear stagnant energy and open pathways within. His rains symbolize emotional release and renewal, allowing you to soften, let go, and create fertile ground for new insight. The lightning of Chaak is often understood as illumination—sudden clarity that breaks through confusion and reveals deeper truths. In this way, his energy will support you in navigating inner landscapes with courage and receptivity. Just as he brings balance to the natural world, his presence encourages balance within the self—between body and spirit, fear and trust, past and future. When you journey with intentional connection to Chaak’s qualities, you will feel supported in moving through emotional storms, reconnecting with your vitality and grounding into your own inner wisdom. His influence reminds us that transformation is part of nature’s design, and that healing often arises when we honour both the gentle rains and the powerful forces that reshape us. Steve Altman has been practicing with the ancient traditions of the Incas and Toltecs for over ten years. He is also a Mayan calendar day keeper and a shamanic drum maker. Please arrive at 7pm so we're ready for a 7.10pm start. Once you've reserved your place, the address will be sent to you. Payment can be made through Meetup or you can contact me directly to make a bank transfer. All drums and rattles are provided, but you are also welcome to bring your own. Feel free to get in touch if you have any questions about the evening!

Come along for some healing shamanic drumming. Reconnect with your creativity and let go of any blockages. You will be guided in a journey to meet the Mayan maize god Ah Mun, embodiment of renewal, nourishment, resilience and joy. Maize is not only food, but rhythm: growth that bends, breaks, returns and feeds others in the process. Take this time out for yourself to remember the natural joy that courses through your very being and to embody that which kindles your creativity and passion. Steve Altman has been practicing with the ancient traditions of the Incas and Toltecs for over ten years. He is also a Mayan calendar day keeper and a shamanic drum maker. Please arrive at 7pm so we're ready for a 7.10pm start. Once you've reserved your place, the address will be sent to you. Payment can be made through Meetup or you can contact me directly to make a bank transfer. All drums and rattles are provided, but you are also welcome to bring your own. Feel free to get in touch if you have any questions about the evening!

Join us on Tuesdays for a vibrant and immersive experience of West African drumming in SE5. This event is perfect for both beginners and experienced drummers looking to enhance their skills and connect with the energetic beats of the Djembe drum. Immerse yourself in the rich traditions of African music as our skilled instructors guide you through rhythmic patterns and techniques that will transport you to the heart of Africa. Bring your drum or borrow one of ours and become part of a dynamic drum circle where everyone's unique contributions come together to create a mesmerizing musical tapestry. Whether you're a seasoned drummer or just starting your rhythmic journey, this event promises to be a joyful celebration of African drumming that will uplift your spirit and leave you feeling connected to the vibrant beats of the continent. Join us in SE5 and let the rhythms of West African drumming awaken your soul.

Come and join in the fun with talented guest Drum Masters Always suitable for beginners! All ages above 8. We are a 'Social Enterprise' so your attendance & support really helps us to survive. Drum hire included in price as well as community vibe! Learning traditional African rhythms through chant and song . Djembes and dun duns. Learning the rich cultural oral history behind the rhythms and how generationally passed down.

Open weekly Maracatu percussion classes for all levels – beginners to advanced – Newbies very welcome! The classes are run by Sam Alexander, a professional musician, teacher, and artist. He leads the community group Baque de Axé in London, which plays traditional Maracatu Carnival percussion music from Recife in Pernambuco, Brazil. Classes run every Monday from 6:45pm to 9:15pm (Times include set up and pack away, drumming 7:00pm to 9:00pm) and are held in Maxilla Social Club, 2 Maxilla Walk, London, W10 6SW, underneath the Westway, 5 mins from Latimer Road Tube Station on the Hammersmith & City/Circle Lines. £15/session (payable on the evening via contactless reader (referred) or cash). No booking required. Axé 💚❤️

**Update: full for drums, piano, guitar, 1 of 3 spots taken for lead instruments** *\*\* The 9M Studios sessions are now 3 hours long. The group is encouraged to use the last hour to call additional songs that are not on the repertoire list - similar to an open jam, or to experiment with arrangements such as intros and endings for the original repertoire. \*\** full list of scheduled sessions: https://www.meetup.com/Practice-Jazz-Jam-Sessions/events/ **What is it** The novice rehearsal sessions provide an opportunity for people who are relatively new to jazz, to play in a friendly, low-pressure environment. With a short set list that attendees can prepare in advance, it becomes a little less daunting to play and get the most out of practising in a group. See below for this week's setlist. Please sign up before attending. already full for your instrument? Please check back on Wednesday mornings, when new sessions go live. If you keep not being able to get a spot, please message the organiser (Xie). Location: 9M Studios, SE17 1DX **Who's it for** anyone who has practised following the forms (chord progressions) of jazz tunes - maybe on their own at home - and would like to build up playing experience, expand repertoire and practice performing with other musicians. There are various introductions on how jazz jams work - see e.g. https://jazznightschool.org/pages/jam-session-basics You don't need to get all these details right for these novice practice sessions. The set list format should offer opportunities for those at different levels of developing their playing. While at the beginning one might struggle to follow/comp the chords or play through the melody, it gets easier over time and one can start to develop approaches to improvisation, harmonise lead lines, add intros/endings, work on communication between band members, and even listen to recordings together and pick up specific arrangements. Bass players are expected to be able to play a walking bass line on swing tunes, and simple bossa lines for bossa novas. Playing the melody, or "head" - the responbility is shared between horns players (e.g. sax, trumpet, violin), guitar and piano. Feel free to discuss among the group before each song - different parts of the head or the starting / ending heads can be played by different players. Some melodies will better suit several voices at the same time, whereas others are sensitive to variations in how they are played and may prefer a single instrument at a time. **What it's like** A relaxed and welcoming atmosphere - please put aside any worries of making mistakes if you’re thinking of joining us for the first time. To ensure the group is accessible for those at different levels, I ask that each novice session should work on only the below four songs of the set list, unless each and every attendee feels they prefer to move on. Each novice session is limited to up to: 1 drummer, 2 bass, 2 keys, 2 guitar, 3/4 lead instruments. Always use the top of the description to see if there is an available slot for your instrument - please do not try to work this out yourself by looking at the other attendees' instruments. **Tunes this week (Sat 7 Feb)** * Blues in the Closet in F (warm up) (Stanley Turrentine) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9vNUao-Cww](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9vNUao-Cww) * Corcovado in C (note odd number of measures) (Cannonball Adderley) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=open6GCI6ZA](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=open6GCI6ZA) * Caravan in Fm (note: the form is AABA, first chord C7) (tricky, rhythm instruments learn accompany parts) (Stringspace) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDTnxMoRWd8](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDTnxMoRWd8) * There is no greater love in Bb (Freddie Hubbard) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MelwhSdHhw0](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MelwhSdHhw0) Everyone is encouraged to listen to a variety of recordings for each song, but please ensure you are familiar with the recording provided as a primary reference. **Tune preview - next novice session (Sat 14 Feb)** * Autumn Leaves in Gm (Art Pepper) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmaCfzyf9NY](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmaCfzyf9NY) * Chameleon in Bbm (Stringspace) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynX6UywBl9Y](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynX6UywBl9Y) * Beatrice in F (Sam Rivers) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2lnek_Z_Zs](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2lnek_Z_Zs) * Beautiful Love in Dm (Munne, Hamilton) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gcuEdDzg-g](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gcuEdDzg-g) **Preparing for the session** The chordal form of each song follow the iReal Pro app as a common reference, or you can use sheet music from Real Books. Resource for sheet music: https://www.seventhstring.com/fbindex.html http://therealbook.info/ Try to immerse yourself in the songs by listening to recordings by different artists on youtube, spotify etc. Learn the head (main melody) of the song if you can. Don't hesitate to let the band know you can play it so you can start things off **Equipment** there is a piano, drum kit (no cymbals or high hat clutch), bass and guitar amps, and microphones. Limited number of music stands. Drummers: please bring cymbals (none available for rental) and hi hat clutch **Vocalists** singers very welcome though usually I suggest you come to the intermediate sessions where you can pick your own song and key (as chances are many of the above are not in the right key for your range) **Cancellation policy** Please try to make it to any session you sign up to, as the jams are organised around a particular mix of instruments. However, if things do come up and you can no longer make a session, please send a message to the organiser, Xie, as soon as possible. Places are non-refundable if your plans change, but if you provide over 1 week notice it may be possible to carry over the fee for a future session. \-\-\-\- any questions do get in touch!